Container for tubes and bulbs



1938. w. A. RINGLER 2,125,313

CONTAINER FOR TUBES AND BULBS Filed Dec. 4, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR William/6 Fizzy/er BY wan 6% 626.4%

ATTORNEY Aug. 2, 1938. w. A. RINGLER CONTAINER FOR TUBES AND BULBS Filed Dec. 4, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR M7110: E Zzggkr ATTORN EY Patented Aug. 2, 193a ,Z,l25,3l3

, FUNITEDY STATES PATENT OFFICE coN'rAnmn ron Tunas AND BULBS William A.'Ringler, Wayne, Pat, assignor to National Folding Box Qompany, New Haven, Conn, a corporation of New Jersey Application December 4, 1936, Serial No. 114,185 9 Claims. (Cl. 229-6) This invention relates to containers for tubes deteriorate to a certain extent with age, and and bulbs and more particularly to containers for customers are generally desirous of obtaining radio tubes, electric light bulbs and similar prodfreshly manufactured tubes. In accordance with ucts which are generally examined after packmy invention provision is made for the'placeaging and before being passed on to the user. ment of the date of manufacture of the tube on 5 In accordance with this invention the radio the container, such data, preferably being placed tube, electric light bulb or similar fragile article on the end wall closure or on the insert tab assois pocketed within an inner sleeve which has a. ciated with the end wall closure flap. Provision limited sliding movement within an outer memis also made on this tab extension wherein the 10 her. The inner sleeve is so constructed that it merchant may write in thename and address of 10 can be quickly wrapped longitudinally around the customer to whom. the'tube is sold, as well the tube and quickly connected together by a as the date of such sale. The ,tube is also tested simple hooking operation. The end walls of in the customer's presence by inserting the test the inner sleeve receive the adjacent ends of the end thereof in a suitable test socket. This may l5 tube through a suitable aperture so arranged be done without removing or otherwise disturbas to firmly hold the tube packaged therein ing the tube or its mounting within the conagainst movement. Thus when the inner sleeve tainer. Should the customer thereafter comis telescoped within the outer tubular member plain that the tube did not give good service in the side Walls of the tube are spaced a substantial use, the merchant will be able to consult his distance from the surrounding side wall sections records writen on the tab extension which he 20 of the inner sleeve and outer tubular member, had previously torn off from the container at providing an air cushion which protects the tube the time the tube was sold. This tab record gives from injury resulting from exterior shocks dehim the date of manufacture and date of salelivered to the container. With my improved complained of and thus he is able to determine construction an inner corrugated protective shell whether the tube sold possessed the expected 25 surrounding the tube may be eliminated, thus longevity in s v s t if he c mplaint is effecting a considerable saving in material and justified proper amends can be made. Thus the packaging costs, merchant and the manufacturer are protected A further feature of my invention is the proaga n t unjus fied c plaints and in cases where vision of an end closure for the outer tubular the complaint is justified promp amends to the 30 member, which protects the end of the tube from customer can be made. v Furthermore, a record dust and exterior blows. If desired both ends of of the complaint can be kept from the data the container may be provided with end 010- accumulated from which the manufacturer may sures. The end closure may be formed as a part know of any inherent weaknesses in his product of the outer tubularmembem The end-closure and be stimulated to further improvement of 35 preferably comprises a closure flap extending the same. Considerable saving can be realized over the end of the outer member, the closure if the tab extension upon whichthe date of manflap having a tab extending therefrom. The ufacture and thecustomer data are imprinted is tab may be so arranged when in closed position formed as a part of the hook device which is as to abut against the inner sliding sleeve and attached to the outer tubular member and en- 40 limit or prevent sliding movement of the inner ages the inner sleeve to limit the sliding movesleeve member until the end closure flap is ment thereof. The outer tubular member and opened. The tab extension may be of such the inner sleeve can thus be printed with the length as to space the adjacent end of the tube desired advertising data without regard to the from the end closure flap so as to provide an special manufacturing data, and thus can be 45 air cushion therebetween so that blows and m e up in large q an i The tab extension shocks directed to the end wall flap will not be having associated therewith the end closure flap transmitted to the fragile article within. Thus and tab extension only need be printed with the the container may be set up in storage or display special manufacturing and customer data at a on either end thereof without damage or injury relatively-low cost. Considerable saving in man- 0 to the contents. ufacturing costs can thus be eifected.

A further feature of this invention comprises Various other features and advantages of the the provision of identification indicia which may invention will be apparent from the following be placed on the container and also on the tube particular description and from an inspection Package therein. Articles such as radio tubes, of the accompanying drawings. 55

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, as to its obiects and advantages, and the manner in which it may -be carried out, may be better understood by reierring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings iorming a part thereof, in which:

Fig. 1 is an extendedview of a prepared blank from which the outer tubular member is formed;

Fig. 2 is an extended view of a prepared blank from which the inner sliding member is formed;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the hook element which permanently secures the outer tubular member to the inner member and yet permits limited telescopic movement of the inner member sumcient to adequately eject the test end oi the tube for test purposes, this hook element also having associated therewith a closure and a tear-off and identification tab device which assists in supporting the tube within the container;

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the inner member partially surrounding the tube, the hook element and the outer tubular member;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the inner member in assembled position around the tube;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the hook element attached to the inner member which surrounds the tube;

Fig. 'l is a vertical cross-sectional view through the completely assembled package, showing. the

test end of the tube ejected for purposes of test, this view being taken along line 1-1 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the completed container showing the tube completely housed therein, certain parts being broken away to more clearly illustrate the construction;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the fully assembledcontainer showing the test end of the tube in ejected position, this view particularly showing the nature of the closure fiap and the tuck-in flap which may be torn off and preserved as a record by the merchant; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of the container showing the hook element and insert tab cooperating to prevent further movement of the tube toward the closure fiap end of the container, certain parts being broken away to illustrate the construction.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and specification.

The container illustrated in Figs. 1 to 10, may comprise generally an outer member A of tubular form within which is telescoped an inner member or strip B which longitudinally surrounds the tube or bulb. The outer member A may be either polygonal or circular, but preferably rectangular, in cross-section. The outer tubular member A may be formed from a single blank oif paperboard material as shown in Fig. 1, scored along score lines 6 to define side wall portions 1, 2, 3 and 4 and a glue flap 5, which flap may be fixed to the side wall portion 4 to retain the outer member in tubular form.

The inner member B may be formed from a strip of paperboard material as indicated in Fig.

2 comprising side wall portion ill and side flap ii hinged to the end wall portion l3 along the score lines I. The test end .of the tube may be inserted through an opening 29 in the end wall portion It. Flaps 2|, hinged to the end wall portion is along the score lines 22, provide leg portions operative to support the test end of the tube out of contact with the surface in upon which the container is vertically supported, as illustrated in Fig. 8. Another end wall portion i4 is also hinged to the side wall portion ill along the score line l5 and is provided with a side wall fiap i2 hinged thereto along a score line II. The side wall flap I2 is provided with a tongue portion I8 defined by a cut line 23 extending into the side wall fiap i2. The side wall flap II is also provided with a tongue portion is defined by the cut line 24 extendinginto the flap. .The tongue portions l8 and I9 are adapted to interlock when the inner member is'assembled around the tube, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The cuts 23 and 24 extend from open mouths 25 shaped to facilitate interlocking connection between the tongue portions l8 and i9. Guide flaps i6 defined by the score lines l1 extend laterally from the end wall portion [4. The end wall portion I4 may also be provided with an opening 30 through which the upper end of the tube T extends, serving to center the tube within the inner ember B.

In packaging, the contact end of the article T comprising, for example, the prongs p in the case of a radio tube, is inserted through the opening 29 in the wall portion II. It will be noted by referring particularly to Fig. 7 that the opening 28 is cut to size so as to snugly receive the test end or prongs p, so that the lower end of the tube is fixedly secured in position against lateral movement. The side wall It is then positioned along one side of the tube and the upper end of the tube is inserted through the opening of the end wall portion M. It will be noted that the opening 30 has a fringe or scalloped portion 32,

' which is bendable upwardly as the upper end of the tube is inserted in the opening 30, so as to frictionally grip the upper end of the tube and prevent lateral movement thereof. As thus arranged it will be noted that the end wall portion it rests upon the shoulder s of the tube, and the upper end of the tube is tightly held against lateral movement. The side flaps ii and i2 are then wrapped around the article T longitudinally thereof and the tongue portions i8 and "are interlocked to retain the inner member in position. It will be noted by referring particularly to Figs. 4 and '7, that when assembled in the manner above described, the side wall portion II and the side flaps I l and i2 are spaced away from the body of the tube and that the openings 29 and 2'. in the respective end wall portions i3 and M are of such size as to snugly grip the respective ends of the tube so as to prevent lateral movement thereof.

Means are provided to limit the telescoping movement of the inner member within the outer member. The means here referred to may take the form of a hook element as illustrated in Fig. 3, comprising a strip 26 of strong, tough paperboard having a notch or slot 28 cut therein and terminating in a hook or attaching portion 21. As illustrated more particularly in Figs. 6 to 8, inclusive, the hook portion 21 may be inserted beneath the tongue portion is of the side wall flap i2 so that the tongue l8 extends through the elongated notch or slot 28. When the inner member with its contents has been inserted into the outer tubular member- A and the hook device 26 is permanently secured to the tubular member A by means of a rivet or staple 35, the inner member B, however, is permitted to telescope or slide within the outer tubular member a .limited distance which ismeasured by the length of the slot 28. when the inner member and test '75 ber B may be slidably telescoped within the outer member a limited distance only, sufilcient to eject the test, end of the tube beyond the end of the outer member so as to permit ready insertion thereof into a test socket.

The leg portions 2i extending from the end wall portion H are of slightly greater length than the projecting end p, so that when the container is supported in vertical position as illustrated in Fig. 8, the leg portion 2| will rest upon the surface 10 and support the test end of the tube spaced When the test end of the tube is ejected as shown in Figs. 7 and 9, the leg portions 2| may be swung outwardly and thus freely permit insertion of the test end p into a test socket.

The upper end of the container may be closed by means of a closure flap 40 which is hinged to the hook element 26 along the score line 4|. closure flap 40 is provided with a tuck-in fiap or portion 42 hinged to the flap 40 along thescore line 43. The tuck-in flap 42 is provided with an extension portion defined from the tuck-in portion 42 by a line of perforations 46. The portion 45 can be separated from tuck-in flap 42 along the line of perforations 46, the portion 45 thereafter serving as a record of identification ticket. A lip portion 44' is preferably cutout of the tuck-in flap 42 at the hinge line 43, the cutout portion 44 being of such dimensions as to rest upon the adjacent side wall I of the outer member and support the closure .flap 40 in position.

It will be noted that the tuck-in flap 42 and its associated extension 45 are of such length that when the tube T is completely housed within the container, the lower edge 41 of the portion 45 will seat against the end wall portion l4 of the inner member. Thus it will be noted that the inner 'member is firmly held along opposite sides from further telescoping movement towards the end closure 40. In other words, the hook element 25 definitely limits the telescoping movement of the inner member along one side edge, and the extension or leg portion 45 definitely limits movement of the inner portion along the opposite side edge, so that it is impossible for the extremity :c of the tube to contact the closure flap 40 or the surface upon which the container might be supported if stood up in an upside-down position.

Thus, it is seen that the tube is completely surrounded with what might be termed a cushion of air,-so that external blows delivered to the outer container cannot be transmitted to the fragile tube T. As above pointed out, the openings 29 and 30 are of such limited size as to rigidly retain the tube T in fixed position and against lateral shifting, and the tube is spaced from the outer containing walls I, 2, 3 and 4 by an air cushion which surrounds the tube. My improved construction permits elimination of a corrugated enclosure or protective shell within which the tube is first encased. Thus, my improved construction permits a considerable saving in material, labor and packaging costs, and at the same time fully protects the tube against damage through shocks transmitted to the container from without. -It will alsobe noted that the inner member B is definitely limited in its sliding movement The toward the end closure 40 by the hook element 26 and the tab portion 45, which serve as supporting legs for the tube T and inner member I! should the carton be stood up in upside-down position. It will also be noted that the tab extension 45 is of such width as to frictionally engage the lnside face's of the flap it of the inner member, thus 'frictionally retaining the closure within the not rattle or shake therein. I The container above described may be quickly assembled and packed with few operations. In assembling the package, the test end p of the tube T is inserted through the opening 28 of the end wall portion l3, the side wall portion Ill positioned lengthwise of the tube and the upper end of the tube inserted through the opening 80 so that the end wall portion i4 will rest upon the shoulder s of the tube and the scalloped portion 32 will frictionally engage the tube. The tongues I8 and I9 associated with the side wall portions II and I2 are then interlocked together so as to retain the tube enclosed within the inner member. The hook device shown in Fig. 3 is then hooked under the tongue portion l8, as shown in Fig. 6, and finally the inner member jacent side wallof the outer member, as illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. The rivet 35 grips and clamps the adjacent paperboard material in such amanner that the rivet cannot be removed from the package without actually tearing or destroying parts of the container or otherwise leaving visible evidence of tampering. as a securing means, it is If a staple is used preferable to provide a staple formed from a metal which is brittle to the extent that if an the merchants can keep as thereon the date of period of time, it is possible flcient in operation as a freshly manufactured tube. Customers, therefore, often desire to know when the tube was actualiy manufactured and shipped to the merchant, and the merchant likewise desires to know the date of sale of the tube to the customer so that if the merchant later receives a complaint from the customer concerning the tube, he will be able to make a fair determination of whether the tube has lasted its usual expected life under ordinary conditions of use by the customer. Customers occasionally demand a new tube, that the tube previously purchased was defective and did not last in use its normal expected life. The merchant as well as the manufacturer must have some yardstick to determine whether the eomplaint has a reasonable basis, so that all justii'ied complaints can be honestly and fairly adjusted in a manner to protectthe customer as well as the merchant and manufacturer.

I have solved the above difficult probiem by providing on the tab extension 45 certain printed information which can be further filled out by the merchant, and which permits tearing off of the extension 45 along the perforated line 46 so that the extension 45 provides a ticket which a permanent record. Briefly, each tube T has stamped or printed thereon a code number which identifies the type or tube and other information with regard to its manufacture. The extension 45 also has printed manufacture of the tube which, if desired, may also be printed upon the closure flap 40 and, if desired, also upon the tube T in an appropriate location. The extension e5 also has a'iegend wherein the merchant may write in the name and address of the customer and also the date of sale of the tube to the customer. This information can be written on the extension 45 immediately before or immediately after it is torn off from the insert tab 42, which information is preferablynoted on the ticket 45 at the time oi sale. The merchant then retains the ticket 45 as a part of his permanent record. Shouid a complaint from the customer regarding the life or quality of the tube be later received, the merchant as well as the manufacturer will know the type of tube sold, the date of its manufacture, the customer's name and address, and the'date of sale to the customer.. With this information the merchant as well as the manufacturer can determine whether the complaint is legitimate and justified. Through this information the manufacturer will also know the lasting quaiities of the tube in use and can actually spot such defects or weaknesses in the product so that he will readily know in what respects the tube should be improved upon, if such improvement is necessary or desirable. Thus, means is provided by which complaints can be promptly taken care of and adjusted in accordance with their merit to the mutual protection and satisfaction of the customer, the merchant and the manufacturer alike.

The flap closure 4|! also protects the tube from dust and contamination and prevents shocks being delivered to the upper end thereof which projects through the end wail portion l4. The end wall portions l3 and I4 and the openings therein are so formed and constructed as to, rigidly support the tube within the inner sliding member at all times in spaced position with reference to the side walls I, 2, 3 and 4 of the outer tubular member. Thus the tube is fully protected against free of charge, complaining- 9,195,818 that it is not as efdamage through external shocks. Further, a saving is effected through the elimination of the corrugated protective shell which heretofore has been used to surround the tube positioned within the inner sliding member. It will be here noted that the cost of the inner corrugated shell as well as the additional cost in labor of assembling the corrugated shell around the tube is saved. The container is made of few parts which can be quickly assembled substantially entirely by automatic machinery with a minimum of paperboard material and a minimum of waste. The book elements 0 can cut out from previously printed sheets of paperboard. Since all the information and data is printed directly on the hook element 0, the inner sliding member and the outer tubular member can be made up and imprinted in large quantities, only the hook member c requiring special printing with reference to the type number and date of manufacture. This permits economical and eflicient production.

The container may be easily and quickly manipulated by the customer or storekeeper to test the tube or .bulb at any'timewithout removal thereof. The closure flap 40 is opened and slight pressure is exerted at the upper end of the tube, which pressure immediately ejects the test end 17 thereof, making same immediately available for insertion into the test socket. The test end of the tube may be ejected as many times as desired without damage to the container. It is impossible to eiect the inner tube containing member further than that required to effect proper testing of the article, since themner member is firmly secured within the outer member so that the tube cannot be removed without leaving visible evidence of tampering.

The container herein presented is especially designed for the merchandising of radio tubes, electric light bulbs, gas mantles and other obiects which are generally tested to determine their condition prior to sale. The bootlegging of inferior products and the unauthorized packing of such products in containers originally used or designed for the packaging of another product is thus thwarted and prevented.

While certain novel features of the invention have been understood and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without depart ing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A carton for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member, an inner tube-enclosing member telescoping within the outer member, means slidably connecting said outer member and said inner member to limit the telescoping movement of said inner member, and an endclosure flap hinged to said connecting means for closing the open end of said outer member.

2. Carton for radio tubes and the like including, an outer tubular member comprising enclosing side wall sections, an inner member telescopfor limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member, said limiting means having an end closure flap hinged thereto for closing the open end of said outer member.

3. A carton for radio tubes and the like including, an outer tubular member comprising enclosing side wall sections, an inner member telescoping within the outer member, said inner member having end wall sections and side wall sections connecting said end wall sections, said end wall sections having openings therein through which the adjacent end portions of the tube project, means associated with said end wall sections rigidly retaining the tube in fixed spaced relationship from the side wall sections of said inner andouter members, means for limiting the telescoping of said inner member, and a closure for the open end of said outer member hinged to said limiting means.

4. A carton for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member comprising enclosing side wall sections, an inner tube enclosing member telescoping within the outer member, a hook device for limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member, and an end closure hinged to said hooked device for closing the open end of said outer member.

5. A carton for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member comprising enclosing side wall sections, an inner tube enclosing member telescoping within the outer member, means slidably connecting said outer member and said inner member and limiting the-telescoping movement of said inner member, a closure flap hinged to said connecting means for covering the open end of said outer member, and a tab extending from said closure flap adapted to brace against said inner sliding member when said flap is in closed position.

6. A carton for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member comprising enclosing side wall sections, an inner member telescoping within the outer member and enclosing the tube, a hook device fixed to said outer member and slidably engaging said inner member to limit the telescoping movement thereof, a closure flap hinged to said hook device covering the open end 01' said outer member, and a tab extending from said closure flap adapted to brace against the inner sliding member when said flap is in closed position thereby retaining the adjacent end of the tube in spaced relationship to said closure flap.

'7. A carton for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member, an inner tube enclosing member telescoping within the outer member, means for limiting the telescoping movement of said inner member, an end closure for said outer member hinged to said limiting means, said end closure having a severable portion associated therewith, said severable portion carrying the date of manufacture of the tube contained in the carton and customer data, said portion being retained by the merchant at the time of sale for purposes of record.

8. A carton for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member, an inner tube enclosing member telescoping within the outer member, an element fixed to said outer member and slidably engaging said inner member to limit the telescoping movement of said inner member, a closure flap hinged to said element covering the open end of said outer member, said closure flap having a severable portion retained by the merchant at the time of sale for purposes of record. 3

9. A carton for radio tubes and the like including, an outer member, an inner tube enclosing member telescoping within the outer member, a hook device fixed to said outer member and slidably engaging said inner member to limit the telescoping movement of said inner member, a closure flap hinged to said hook device covering the open end or said outer mem ber, a tab extending from said closure flap adapted to be braced against said inner member to further support said inner member when said closure flap is in closed position, said tab carrying the date oi! manufacture of the tube contained in the carton and customer data, and means for severing said tab from said flap for retention by the merchant at the time oi sale for purposes or record.

WILLIAMA. moms; 

